When shopping for used equipment there are a few things you should be aware of first. Just as when someone is purchasing a used auto one should be aware that the machines are not going to be like new, and in dealing with used farm machinery, this might take on a whole new meaning. Always you must do some research and find comparable values for the machines you might be considering. Just as an auto might have been owned previously by a mechanic and always taken care of, so might a tractor. Then again, some machinery might have just put in it's time. And then it was time for it to go. The person selling the tractor may have spruced it up with a new paint job. This does not indicate whether the mechanics of the machine are neither good nor bad. Whether you are looking at Allis Chalmers combines, or a John Deere lawn tractor, you still need to follow the same guidelines when choosing used or reconditioned machinery.
Your monetary situation will also be of concern. Is your goal to find cheap second hand goods that you are quite capable of maintaining yourself? Alternatively, might you be interested in knowing the dealer has gone over the machine with a fine toothed comb? Perhaps the mileage and hours on the particular Kioti or Mahindra you are looking at is of utmost importance to you. If it is not it should be. More important than anything is to know whom you are dealing with. Most farmers will know all the dealers in an area, and rest assured, they would know his reputation. However, with some types of machinery you will be spending possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy it. If you are buying out of your area, you really need to research this person before finalizing any business deals. Knowing how much delivery of your purchase is going to cost is also a concern when buying elsewhere. Knowing how the company deals with a long distance customers if a problem arises is another question you must ask. In addition, who will be servicing or repairing said machine, is also an issue here.
Deciding whether to buy a diesel or a gasoline run engine is another consideration. Are you equipped to have either or both at the farm available when you need it? Consider the cost of using, either or both fuel types at your farm. Mostly, which would be more economical? Whether you are buying your equipment for a home garden and yard work, a small working farm, or a huge outfit, you should mention this to your dealer. This may very well dictate whether new or used is the better option for your needs. However, a good used piece of machinery can, when taken care of, have a long life expectancy.
All in all, aside from knowing your dealer, checking that Yanmar or McCormick out extremely well, getting any background information, know your usage, and what you will want from a machine. There is not much more you can do but discuss the issue of any warranty the dealer might be offering on the items in question. The only other point to note is; know your equipment brands and their reputations. In addition, the weak and the strong points of each equipment manufacturer.
